Overview & Reviews

Introduced for 2002 and produced through 2009, the Chevrolet TrailBlazer was one of the most popular midsize SUVs in America. Qualities like a smooth ride, a roomy cabin, plentiful features and an inexpensive price made it a hit with consumers early in the model cycle. But fleet operators picked up much of the slack in the later years as consumers went with more refined crossover rivals. Based on our testing experience, the TrailBlazer left much to be desired as a midsize SUV.

Although modern luxury features such as navigation and rear-seat DVD entertainment were available, this SUV's handling dynamics were more state-of-the-past than state-of-the-art. The standard Chevy TrailBlazer's unresponsive suspension and imprecise steering wouldn't inspire confidence on back road detours or during quick transitions on the expressway. In past years, traditional body-on-frame SUVs like the TrailBlazer weren't expected to handle well in these situations. But times changed and virtually all of the Chevy's rivals offered superior road manners. Another major drawback was the TrailBlazer's cabin design. It looked out of date soon after its debut, and the quality of the materials and construction was always suspect.

From a performance standpoint, the Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS was an interesting choice, as it addressed the SUV's handling woes via substantial tuning to the chassis and steering. The SS also provided rip-roaring performance, courtesy of a 6.0-liter V8. But in the grand scheme of things, the SS was a niche vehicle. For a workaday midsize SUV, other truck-based competitors would serve you better than the standard Chevrolet TrailBlazer.

Most Recent Chevrolet TrailBlazer

As a unique model, the Chevrolet TrailBlazer debuted for 2002, though the name "TrailBlazer" was actually in use previously as an upscale trim level for the regular four-door Blazer SUV. After the TrailBlazer's debut, Chevy slowly phased out the Blazer and let the TrailBlazer become its main truck-based midsize SUV. There was also an extended-wheelbase version called the TrailBlazer EXT that offered seven-passenger seating and class-leading cargo room. At the time, the 4.2-liter inline-6 made 270 horsepower.

There were other changes over the years. The big news for 2003 was a special North Face Edition trim package and the availability of a 290-hp 5.3-liter V8 in the extended TrailBlazer EXT, while the next couple of years saw a host of evolutionary improvements like increased availability of the V8, power-adjustable pedals, restyled seating, side curtain airbags, DVD-based navigation, CD/MP3 audio and satellite radio.

The hotter, performance-oriented Chevy TrailBlazer SS packing a 391-hp 6.0-liter V8 debuted in 2006. This was also the year that the 5.3-liter V8 became available for non-EXT models and the inline-6 engine's output rose to 291 hp. The TrailBlazer EXT was dropped for '07. The 5.3-liter V8 was likewise history for 2009 and the TrailBlazer itself was gone for 2010.

Throughout most of the TrailBlazer's model run, there were three main trim levels: base LS, luxury-themed LT and high-performance SS. The LS came decently equipped, while the LT provided access to some higher-level features such as leather seating. Chevrolet offered two different packages for the SS model. The basic TrailBlazer SS (1SS) was equipped similarly to the LS but featured a powerful V8, a sport-tuned chassis, 20-inch wheels and a monochromatic exterior with black mesh grille. The uplevel version of the TrailBlazer SS (3SS) added all the LT's amenities. Apart from a white-faced tachometer and "SS" monograms on the seats, there was nothing special about the SS interior.

Although a four-speed automatic transmission was standard across the board, there was a choice of two- or four-wheel drive (4WD) except in the SS, which could have either two- or all-wheel drive.

Behind the wheel, we found that the Chevrolet TrailBlazer's suspension was a mixed bag -- its soft tuning resulted in a soft, comfortable ride around town and on the highway. But push it hard into a corner or hit the rough stuff too fast and the TrailBlazer's overly compliant setup would get out of sorts quickly. Most buyers would likely find the inline-6 engine adequate, though it's definitely lacking in low-end torque compared to some rivals' V6 offerings. Our test of the TrailBlazer SS revealed an altogether different beast that felt more like a muscle car than an SUV. It ripped to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds – or about as quick as a Dodge Charger R/T. Better yet, the SS model's modified chassis was capable of handling all that power. When pushed through twists and turns, the SS's body motions were well controlled and its steering feel was excellent.

User Reviews:

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  Damned Near Perfect - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By beaupilot - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned it since 10/01 and its been an amazingly reliable, powerful and yet quiet and nimble SUV. Never a single problem. Too bad I have to sell it because my family is gettting too big!! Got 22mpg hwy doing 80mph.

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  2004 Trailblazer LS - 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By amanda02nicole - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased my TrailBlazer, and I love it! I am used to driving a Camaro, so its hard for me to get used to it but I love it! I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who is not wanting anything too big (i.e. Tahoe, Expedition).

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  2002 Trailblazer LT 4 wheel drive - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By NCCFI - August 11 - 10:00 am

  The Trailblazer rides very smooth and very quiet. It has plenty of power. I have had no problems at all with this vehicle. I previously drove a 1997 Blazer that I ordered new. I liked it, but the Trailblazer is far better.

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  Teedoff N. Texas with 02 Trailblazer LS - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Teedoff N. Texas - July 19 - 10:00 am

  In shop 5 times-SIR(air bag)light going off and on-safety issue-air bags dont deploy when light is on. Dealer recon.ckts, repl.modules, driver&passenger sides, prob persists. Resorting to "Lemon Law." Xmission&eng. probs-now @15k mi., gets 13-17 mpg, others get 21-22. Wind noise, door rattle, hatch strap&weather stripping coming apart, LS emblem fell off. A/C blows cold @dash vents when A/C OFF. Heater set @floor only but blows from defrosters! Dealer says xmission, eng.,air/heat within normal specs. Owned 2 new cars, several used-NEVER experienced this. In 2 yrs., PCM reprogrammed-software upgrade + 2 recalls. What next?

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  Vibration @ ~60mph - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By bperry003 - July 17 - 8:16 am

  Like others, I also have the vibration that occurs around 60mph that can be felt through the accelerator pedal. I brought it in this morning and the service dept. called GM Tech Service. The service consultant told me that GM was aware of this and that it had something to do with the firing impulses. I didnt get into the details. Bottom line, the service dept. couldnt do anything right now but said that hopefully in the near future GM will have a fix.

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  g - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Chris Clark - July 5 - 10:00 am

  The Trail Blazer has good low end power but, in 0-60 times it is a dog. The Blazer has roomy back seat and also up front.

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  Great Ride! - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By SD Driver - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I shopped for SUVs For approx. 2 months before looking at the new TrailBlazer. For the price, I am convinced that this is the best vehicle available in the SUV market. I am very pleased with the quality of the ride (extremely tight) and the performance of the engine and drivetrain (this baby moves!). There is a little roll in the corners, but then again - IT IS A SUV! It is not a Sports Car.

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  Jury is still out - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By Kareem - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased the Chevy TB. I love the design. The quality of leather on the seats looks very cheap. Very smooth engine. Lots of cargo space. Good ride for an SUV. Im still a little leary of the long term reliability.

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  get comfortable seats - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By jon holtzleiter - July 4 - 2:00 am

  seats are to hard and not bucket enough. A arm rest is needed for front and back seats. Onstar is a price pack and should not be required in the upper scale models.

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  Love our Extended Trailblazer - 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
  By extended-trailblazer - June 28 - 10:00 am

  We wanted to step down from our full size conversion van, but didnt want a mini-van family mobile. the extended trailblazer fits the perfectly for us. We have tons of cargo space even with the second row seats in use. Performance is excellent and Chevy hardly missed a bell or whistle in the LTZ.